Heaven for our group of 14
Review Submitted: January 29, 2010
Date of Stay: December 2009
I led my family of 14 (5 adults, 9 teenagers) on what turned out to be the vacation of a lifetime at Joyce and Henri Verne's magnificent Castles on the Sea. I barely have the words to describe how perfect this "double" villa is for a relaxing vacation.
First of all, the gorgeous pictures on the internet are all true, but of course, what makes this place better than the internet is the incredible, doting, lovely staff: Warren--a world class chef, Sylvan--the hardworking houseman who keeps the grounds perfect and Curlene and Beverly who keep the villas spotless and do your clothes as well!
The nice thing about the grounds is that there are so many places to gather to be together--and to be alone if you wish to quietly read or nap. My teenagers took to croquet as if they had played their entire lives and by the end of the week as if their lives depended on it. We had a serious croquet tournament! Being able to swim in the gorgeous water right off the villa was heavenly and actually, far better than going in off a beach where you ended up full of sand. Waking up each morning, we would swim, eat a fabulous breakfast and then lounge. We never had to worry about getting a chair, or crowds or lines. "No worries, mon"--it is true.
The owners, Henri and Joyce are lovely, so pleasant to deal with and are happy to answer any questions and make suggestions about things to do. It is also very nice to have 2 villas--versus one big house, because our group sort of split up into the early to bed crowd and those who stay up until 2 am. We could have killer scrabble games going on and not disturb the others in the other villa. The villa is comfortable, not so fancy that you feel like you're afraid to relax and put your feet up.
The food was spectacular and we all enjoyed gathering every night to whatever Warren made--lobster, fresh fish, chicken and oh, those desserts. Yes, as others have indicated, the key lime pie is the best and this from a lifelong pie baker.
The home is always kept immaculate by Beverly and Curlene--they are like church mice, you don't see them--they just stealthily kept our messes under control. Your privacy is never compromised by the large staff that maintains this home.
I saw a case of Red Stripe on sale today in the grocery store and my heart went pitter-pat--not for my love of beer, which I don't even drink, but for my fond memories of Jamaica and Castles on the Sea.
I feel lucky to have stayed there.
Recommended for:
Girls Getaway,
Tourists without a Car,
Families with Teenagers,
Romantic Getaway
Owner's Response: Please feel free to request our guests email address, or telephone numbers, they will be very happy to oblige, with any questions regarding their vacation experiences, etc. at any of our properties, that they have vacationed at.
After a period of 37 + years, MUCH efforts, and expenses, thru consistantly upgrading our properties, several times, each and every year.
Then later, to have so many of our guests, (who are often world class travelers), offering such positive comments is truly a very special blessing, which we pray, will assist many other guests, to also later share, simular experiences first hand.
Castles on the Sea, has been called by other(s)
"the most beautiful property in Jamaica"
" a true and Unique Paradise"
"Dream Vacation come true" etc. etc. MANY other numerous and wonderful accolades, have come our way.
Hopefully, these opinions, will be honestly stated by many future guests, to not simply repeat, but to actually personalize these very positive experiences themselves.
As truly THEIR best vacation(s) ever, be it a most memorable HONEYMOON, a most romantic setting for that very SPECIAL OCCASION, for just two, or a group of sixteen compatible guests.
We and your fantastic staff, will do our VERY VERY BEST, to make CERTAIN, that this SPECIAL time, WILL ACTUALLY BE, YOUR Very BEST EVER VACATION EVER.
We thank all of our WONDERFUL guests, for taking the time to write their honest guest reviews, BUT mostly for giving us the opportunity to be their hosts.
We and staff, look forward, to not only welcoming ALL GUESTS, but to once again, royally welcoming, all of our "Returning Guests"to their new "Home away from Home" be it their 2nd or 12th+ visit.
All returning guests, also recieve special discounts, as stated on web site.
As they say in Jamaica "WALK GOOD"
MUCH THANKS and GOD'S blessings to you ALL.
Always the Very Best, Henri & Joyce
Castle on the Sea Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Chateau en Exotica Port Antonio Jamaica
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